New York artist Cole Lumpkin has shared a new single, titled "River". Engaging and majestic, the release follows up a series of atmospheric offerings including "Ella Jane" and "Ghost" that made for a prolific 2022 for Lumpkin. Cole is a self-writing, self-produced, and self-mixed artist who seeks to blend the popular sounds of modern commercial music with the eccentricities of the progressive music of the ‘70s and ‘80s that he grew up listening to. His brand new track, "River" is a perfect example of his character-rich amalgamation of sounds and styles.
For Lumpkin, songwriting is a truly personal and visceral process that involves dissecting one’s experiences. He doesn't shy away from discussing difficult topics, such as depression and the struggle to regain a sense of self, in his music. In his newly released single, "River", he uses the metaphor of a river to represent these struggles. Growing up around the Hudson River in Upstate New York, this imagery has always been present in his mind. Reflected in the song's refreshing, shimmering soundscape and sleek, airy vocals, "River" also represents its namesake sonically and presents a cohesive, versatile new release from Lumpkin.
"River" continues Lumpkin's run of diverse, impactful pop releases, demonstrating his idiosyncratic blend of sounds and styles, . His willingness to take musical risks, such as using an odd time signature in "River", adds an element of uncertainty that compliments the theme of the song. It's not just his music that is impactful, but also the messages he conveys in his lyrics. His experiences with feelings of self-doubt, desolation, and self-sabotage are relatable to many, and his music provides a sense of reassurance that people are not alone in their struggles.
